Amylase is an enzyme that assists your body in breaking down carbohydrates during digestion. It is produced by both the pancreas and the salivary glands. Usually, there are only small quantities of amylase present in your blood and urine, but elevated levels might suggest a health problem.
Significance of the Amylase and Lipase Tests
The amylase test is mainly used to diagnose and monitor acute pancreatitis, a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. It can also be helpful in diagnosing and monitoring chronic pancreatitis and other pancreatic health issues.
The serum amylase test may be conducted alongside a lipase test to help identify pancreatic diseases. Although the amylase test is sensitive to these conditions, it is not specific. This means that a high amylase level might suggest an issue, but it does not always indicate that the pancreas is involved. Other inflamed or damaged tissues and organs, such as the salivary glands, intestines, and ovaries, can also contribute to elevated amylase levels.
Compared to the amylase test, the lipase test is more specific for diagnosing pancreatic diseases, especially acute pancreatitis and acute alcoholic pancreatitis. Elevated lipase levels generally indicate a pancreatic issue. By reviewing the results of both the amylase and lipase blood tests, healthcare providers can accurately diagnose or rule out pancreatitis and other related conditions.
The urine amylase test may be used for detecting pancreatic diseases. Typically, urine levels will reflect blood amylase concentrations, but any fluctuations will happen later. Occasionally, a urine creatinine test is ordered at the same time. The ratio of amylase to creatinine is then calculated to evaluate kidney function.
In certain cases, amylase tests are used to observe the effectiveness of pancreatic cancer treatments and to check on patients following the removal of gallstones that led to gallbladder attacks.
Common Conditions Diagnosed Using an Amylase Test
Your healthcare provider might request an amylase test to help identify or keep track of a condition affecting the pancreas, such as:
Chronic pancreatitis: Chronic pancreatitis refers to a persistent inflammation of the pancreas, which disrupts the body's normal digestion of food and its regulation of blood sugar.
Pancreatic cancer: Pancreatic cancer arises when the cells in the pancreas begin to multiply uncontrollably, resulting in the formation of a tumour (mass).
Cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition that affects a particular protein in the body. Individuals with cystic fibrosis have a faulty protein that impacts their cells, tissues, and the glands responsible for making mucus and sweat.
Gallstones: Gallstones also known as cholelithiasis, are hardened pieces created from an excess of bile that can develop in the gallbladder or bile ducts.
Alcohol use disorder: An alcohol use disorder (AUD) is defined as drinking that causes distress and harm to an individual. This disorder can range from mild to severe, with severe cases often referred to as alcoholism. Consuming too much alcohol is risky, as it can increase the risk of certain cancers and lead to liver issues such as fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.
Symptoms of a Pancreatic Disorder
Your healthcare provider will recommend an amylase test if you show symptoms of a pancreatic disorder. They include,
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Fast heartbeat
- Jaundice
- Greasy, foul-smelling poop
Preparation and General Instructions
Before taking an amylase test, you are required to fast (not eat or drink anything) for about two hours. Moreover, if you are a chronic alcoholic, you are advised not to consume alcohol for 24 hours before taking this test. Please inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any supplements or medications.
A medical technician will draw your blood by inserting a small needle into a vein in your arm for the amylase serum test. This sample will then be sent to a laboratory to determine the amylase levels in the serum sample. It is common to experience some pain or discomfort at the site where the needle was inserted; however, this discomfort typically subsides over time.
For the amylase urine test, you will need to supply a urine sample. A healthcare provider will provide you with a cleansing wipe, a small container, and detailed instructions on how to collect your sample using the "clean catch" method.
Interpretation of Test Results
The results are given out as low, normal, or high based on the reference range of amylase in the body.
|
Normal range |
|
|
Blood sample |
30 to 110 U/L (units per litre) |
|
Urine sample |
2.6 to 21.2 IU/h (international units per hour) |
If your test results show abnormal levels of amylase, it may indicate an underlying health condition. Your healthcare provider will help you understand the specific reason behind the abnormal levels.
High levels of amylase found in blood or urine may indicate acute pancreatitis, a blockage in a pancreatic duct, or the possibility of pancreatic cancer or a non-cancerous tumour.
Low amylase levels in blood or urine are not very common, but they might suggest chronic pancreatitis, which can cause irreversible harm to the amylase-producing cells. Other potential causes include cystic fibrosis, kidney disease, and liver disease.
The amylase test is used to measure the concentration of amylase present in your serum or urine sample. When the results show abnormal levels, it can suggest a health issue, especially one related to the pancreas. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider to understand your results and determine the course of treatment needed.
